Katherine is a town in central Australia, where the dry season is hot and the wet season is hot and wet. The man at the heart of the "Katherine Outback Experience" trains problem dogs and horses so they can become useful and therefore more likely to survive. During the dry season he does this in a training ring on his property and in the wet season the show is taken on tour. Caitlin had seen the show in Katherine and recommended it so a couple of weeks back I went, with my girls, to the performance at a pony club on the semi-rural fringe of Sydney.
When the dogs had finished their routine, there was a call for a volunteer from the crowd to look after this very nervy pup, Winnie. Briony "the girl in the funky jacket" was chosen and Winnie stayed with us for the rest of the night.
This young boy was very keen to sit with her and spent quite a lot of time trying to remove a nasty thorn from her ear.
I have a better photo where he is sitting up more and his face is more visible but somehow it feels wrong to post an identifying picture of somebody elses child.
It was a lovely night in the outdoors with animals, country music and a very family oriented show.
Training problematic dogs and horses is a worthwhile endeavor, but I would be very cautious about children volunteering to take on the responsibility. How does the family know what suffering the animal had endured in its first home?
ReplyDeleteHels,
DeleteThe dog remained with the show. The little boy was just sitting with her during the evening.
Training seems a good thing to do. Are they trained for a specific chore or just to be an obedient dog. The show sounds interesting. I agree about not showing on the internet a child that is not yours.
ReplyDeleteThe dogs are used to work sheep and I'm not sure about the horses. They are probably stock horses.
DeleteThe show was good and the man in charge is remarkably talented. He's a musician/ song writer, animal trainer and business man
What a beautiful dog. Training problem dogs and horses is very worthwhile. How long does it take him to train an animal?
ReplyDeleteIsn't she pretty ?
DeleteHe didn't mention how long it takes, it most likely depends how responsive the animal is.
He did say he doesn't use food rewards, just lots of pats and patience
Some trainers can do amazing things with animals. And then , who could stand on a horse's back and play a guitar?
ReplyDeleteYes! That horse really really trusts him.
DeleteVery, very sweet. What a worthwhile enterprise and an amazing show to see.
ReplyDeleteIt was great and I suspect I might have appreciated it even more if I knew the first thing about horses
DeleteI wonder what the horse was thinking as that cowboy stood on her back singing "Home Home on the Range" for the umpteenth time. Maybe: "I swear I am going to dump that sucker in the dirt. One of these days!"
ReplyDeleteI expect there have been some challenging moments to get to the point where this stockman can stand on his mount
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